Talks to merge fire companies progressing in Carlisle

Carlisle's three fire companies are meeting with an independent mediator to try to hammer out a plan to consolidate by 2010, and talks seem to be progressing, according to officials.

The borough wants the three fire companies -- Union Fire Company, Empire Friendship and Cumberland Goodwill -- to consolidate into one by the end of the year in order to save money on a tight 2010 budget. It has hired Carlisle attorney Hubert Gilroy to serve as mediator in talks between the companies. Gilroy is meeting with each company individually and he sat down with all three of the companies Sept 24.

"I thought the first meeting went very well," said Steve Hietsch, Carlisle's borough manager. "First of all, Hubert did a very good job. I think all three fire companies did very well, too."

Hietsch declined to talk about specific proposals or sticking points in the negotiations, but said the three companies are slated to meet again Wednesday. Gilroy did not go into detail either, and the fire companies were tight-lipped.

"We're gathering a lot of information," said Dave Weaver, Union Fire Company's chief. "It's not positive or negative either way. All three sides are negotiating what's best for the borough."

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